What is a ghost gun?: ATF goes in depth on the rise of privately made guns and possible dangers
Law enforcement agencies are facing a new challenge as more ghost guns end up on the streets.
Law enforcement agencies are facing a new challenge as more ghost guns end up on the streets.
Law enforcement agencies are facing a new challenge as more ghost guns end up on the streets.
Law enforcement agencies are facing a new challenge as more ghost guns end up on the streets.
What is a ghost gun? The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives describes a ghost gun as a firearm that is privately made. They can look like any other firearm, except it is missing a key component.
"For the most part, you would not be able to tell the difference between a firearm that you purchase at a business and what is considered a privately made firearm or ghost gun. They are almost identical. The components are extremely similar. The one thing that is lacking is those identifying markers," ATF Charlotte Office Public Information Officer Corey Ray said to our sister station WYFF.
Ray said without identifying markers like serial numbers, it makes it even tougher for members of law enforcement to track down an offender. While ghost guns aren't new, technology has changed the game.
"Many 3D printers are fairly inexpensive. Anyone can purchase one and basically make these same components that could constitute a firearm," Ray said.
Just last year, the ATF recovered 967 ghost guns in North Carolina and 138 in South Carolina. Of those 967 found in North Carolina, nine of those guns recovered were connected to homicides and violent gun crimes. Of those 138 found in South Carolina, three were connected to homicides and violent gun crimes.
However, Ray pointed out it's not illegal to make your own firearm.
"Our biggest concern is when these devices end up in the wrong hands. Ends up in the hands of a prohibited individual. Someone that is likely out to cause harm to someone," Ray said.
In 2022, there were around 27,000 suspected ghost guns reported to ATF that were recovered and traced by law enforcement. That's a 24% increase from 2021.